The Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean awarded a total of nearly $27,000 in scholarships to 14 high school students June 11.

This year the IAATO awarded scholarships in four categories with two additional donations from the families of deceased IAATO members Gavin J. Siciliano and Jerry Tesoriero.

The Italian Studies Scholarships award students who excelled in Italian studies at Ocean Township High School. The 2014 recipients are Justin Silverberg, Sara Kraeutler and Makenzie Oates. This fall, Silverberg will attend New York University while Kraeutler and Oates will both attend James Madison University.

Victoria Zamarra of Colts Neck High School received the Honorable John C. Manna Continuing Education Scholarship, which is awarded to a high school student not from Ocean Township who has excelled in Italian studies. Zamarra will attend the College of the Holy Cross.

Seven children and grandchildren of IAATO members also received scholarships for high academic achievement.